Scan barcode
awortiz's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Just no.
This book glamorizes the violence of British colonialism as heroic.
As the demon highlander, Liam MacKenzie commits horrendous acts of violence as a Lieutenant in the British Army, including literally murdering entire families and villages in India. After murdering Jani’s village, Liam then takes him in as a valet as an act of compassion? Yeah, no. And after serving Liam loyally for years, Jani rightfully tries to take his revenge only to ultimately forgive him? Oh dear lord, everything about this entire storyline makes me so angry.
Most historical romances completely sidestep British colonialism - and I get it, this is a romance, we’re not here to explore imperialism (although I wish more would). However, when a book specifically makes British colonialism part of the story, authors need to do better. And this is not better.
Beyond that, Jani is characterized as exotic and servile throughout the novel. This isn’t the first time Kerrigan Byrne has completely missed the boat and characterized the only POCs in her stories offensively.
As with the previous two books, the violence depicted in this novel was over the top and gratuitous. This time, not just with Liam’s backstory, but with Mina’s too. Why, after going through what she went through would Mina run into the arms of a violent man?
I’m also realizing that despite changing up the names, titles, and vocations, Kerrigan Byrne has a type: large, dark, dangerous, and deeply traumatized heroes. And it’s starting to get repetitive.
I’m taking a break from this series because I don’t have the time to dig through problematic storylines when I could literally be reading anything else.
This book glamorizes the violence of British colonialism as heroic.
As the demon highlander, Liam MacKenzie commits horrendous acts of violence as a Lieutenant in the British Army, including literally murdering entire families and villages in India. After murdering Jani’s village, Liam then takes him in as a valet as an act of compassion? Yeah, no. And after serving Liam loyally for years, Jani rightfully tries to take his revenge only to ultimately forgive him? Oh dear lord, everything about this entire storyline makes me so angry.
Most historical romances completely sidestep British colonialism - and I get it, this is a romance, we’re not here to explore imperialism (although I wish more would). However, when a book specifically makes British colonialism part of the story, authors need to do better. And this is not better.
Beyond that, Jani is characterized as exotic and servile throughout the novel. This isn’t the first time Kerrigan Byrne has completely missed the boat and characterized the only POCs in her stories offensively.
As with the previous two books, the violence depicted in this novel was over the top and gratuitous. This time, not just with Liam’s backstory, but with Mina’s too. Why, after going through what she went through would Mina run into the arms of a violent man?
I’m also realizing that despite changing up the names, titles, and vocations, Kerrigan Byrne has a type: large, dark, dangerous, and deeply traumatized heroes. And it’s starting to get repetitive.
I’m taking a break from this series because I don’t have the time to dig through problematic storylines when I could literally be reading anything else.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, Sexual violence, Forced institutionalization, Colonisation, and War